Wellington trustees approve resolution to acquire right of way for Cleveland Avenue improvements

WELLINGTON, Colo. — The Wellington Board of Trustees on June 17 approved a resolution authorizing the town to acquire certain properties and temporary construction easements along the Cleveland Avenue corridor to complete the Cleveland Avenue Improvements project.

The resolution, approved by a roll-call vote, authorizes the town to pursue negotiated purchases and — if negotiations fail — to use eminent domain procedures as a last resort. The vote was recorded as yes from Trustee Daley, Trustee Moyer, Trustee Wiegand, Mayor Burton Mason and Mayor Schoese; the motion passed.

The project, presented by Public Works Director Bob Gowling and staff, is funded in part through federal grants and an intergovernmental agreement with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). Gowling said the town secured four grants totaling $4,444,000 and is working toward 90% design, expected by late June or early July. The design includes a new underground storm drainage system, wider sidewalks, new lighting, street trees and on-street parking.

"We're providing with this design ... 91 parking spaces where we have about 46 now, 8 van-accessible spaces where we have none now," Gowling said, summarizing key design elements. He described sidewalks and…